Localized 5f electrons in superconducting PuCoIn₅: consequences for superconductivity in PuCoGa₅

J Phys Condens Matter. 2012 Feb 8;24(5):052206. doi: 10.1088/0953-8984/24/5/052206. Epub 2011 Dec 23.

Abstract

The physical properties of the first In analog of the PuMGa(5) (M = Co, Rh) family of superconductors, PuCoIn(5), are reported. With its unit cell volume being 28% larger than that of PuCoGa(5), the characteristic spin-fluctuation energy scale of PuCoIn(5) is three to four times smaller than that of PuCoGa(5), which suggests that the Pu 5f electrons are in a more localized state relative to PuCoGa(5). This raises the possibility that the high superconducting transition temperature T(c) = 18.5 K of PuCoGa(5) stems from the proximity to a valence instability, while the superconductivity at T(c) = 2.5 K of PuCoIn(5) is mediated by antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations associated with a quantum critical point.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Chemistry, Physical / methods*
  • Cobalt / chemistry*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Electrons*
  • Gallium / chemistry*
  • Hot Temperature
  • Indium / chemistry*
  • Ions
  • Magnetics
  • Models, Statistical
  • Plutonium / chemistry*
  • Pressure
  • Temperature
  • Transition Temperature

Substances

  • Ions
  • Indium
  • Cobalt
  • Plutonium
  • Gallium